Assessment Of Occupational Safety Compliance In Small-Scale Gold Mines In Siaya County, Kenya.

Abstract

Small-Scale Mines (SSM) employ millions of people worldwide. However, they have been categorized as one of the most hazardous workplaces. In Kenya, like many developing countries, occupational safety-focused interventions have not been fully addressed by the relevant regulatory bodies despite the widespread awareness of the dangers associated with SSM. This study assessed occupational safety compliance amongst small-scale gold miners in Central Sakwa Ward, Siaya County under these specific objectives: to profile occupational safety issues in small-scale mines; to ascertain the types and causes of injuries that occur among small scale miners and to examine the factors influencing compliance with safety regulations. Based on the aforementioned objectives the study hypothesized that knowledge on safety issues does not influence compliance with safety regulations and mine activities do not influence the types of injuries occurring among small-scale miners. A case-study mixed method research involving simple random sampled participants (n = 97) was carried out at small-scale gold mines in the study area. Key informant interviewees were equally contacted for pertinent information. The results suggest non-compliance with the safety requirements. Back / chest injuries and cuts constituted the most frequently occurring types of injuries accounting for (34.7%) and (26.3%) of reported injuries respectively, with shafts collapse (33.7%) being the main occupational safety issue experienced at the mines. The leading underlying causes of back/chest injuries were lifting heavy loads & awkward sitting position (34.7%). The reported injuries were distributed across all body parts; hands 41.1%, back/chest injuries 34. 7%, leg/knee/feet 12.6%, arm 7.4% and head 4.2%. Lastly, the study revealed that perceived cost of compliance, knowledge / awareness on safety requirements and administrative failures were the key factors influencing regulatory compliance. The null hypotheses that; knowledge on safety issues does not influence compliance with safety regulations and mine activities do not influence the types of injuries occurring among small-scale gold miners were tested and rejected using Pearson’s Chi-Square (X2) test at 0.05 significance level. This study showed that small scale mining sector in Kenya is marred with unsafe acts and practices which have contributed greatly to mine accidents and injuries. Measures to improve compliance with safety requirements should include formulation of by-laws at the county level to streamline mining in the county and the use of policy instruments such as taxes, prohibitions and subsidies.